The Citizen Review " A man goes to the movies. A critic must be honest enough to admit that he is that man." -Robert Warshow

Jack says: A-


Thomas McCarthy's 'The Visitor' is about a man who is basically emotionally shut down and very few people in his life. He has his students, some colleagues and piano teacher (who he abrubtly cuts off lessons with in the first act of the film). This is a story about a man in need of something new and fresh in his life.

Let me just say that Richard Jenkins plays the stolid professor unerringly. Every move he makes as Walter Vale is perfect, and he truly creates a memorable hero.

Walter's colleague, Charles tell him that he needs to fill in for someone at a conference in New York. At the conference, Walter would demonstrate an essay he co-wrote. Walter tells Charles that he really only co-signed the essay with his colleague as a nice gesture, but he sends Walter to New York anyhow.

When Walter arrives at his New York appartment, he finds that is occupied by a young married couple, with mysterious alabis. I won't give away the secret but let's just say that the couple re-introduce Walter to his life, enriching him in thier culture and music and food. When the young man's mother visits, things progress even further.

'The Visitor' is testament to life, love and culture. It shows the importance of not letting your life pass before you and that it's never too late to start again. Also, that you may find inspiration in the craziest of places.